If an organisation receives medical or other evidence of exceptional circumstances that will lead to a student being unable to complete their programme of study within the time limit, they should apply their assessment policy and regulations in order to consider granting an extension of time. The grounds for granting any extension should be recorded in the relevant exam board minutes.

The process will involve submitting full documentation relevant both to the status of the organisation and the course that the organisation seeks to be validated as satisfying the requirements of the academic stage of training for those wishing to become solicitors or barristers in England and Wales. The organisation will be required to self-certify compliance with the Joint Statement.

Note that these SRA records are of current providers and programmes. Because providers occasionally stop running certain programmes, or radically revise them, resulting in new award titles, it is possible that an applicant may have a QLD / CPE that is no longer provided. It will therefore not be listed in the current record. If an applicant is claiming that this is the case, or if you suspect that it may be the case, contact us for advice on the historical record.

There are a number of ways to verify that an applicant has achieved a QLD. LPC providers can ask to see the original transcript, diploma supplement or a letter from the awarding institution confirming the award. We are aware that there is some uncertainty as to what constitutes a qualifying law degree (QLD), and we will provide a checklist against which they can assess the transcript.

We will not check the character and suitability of a student before they enrol on the LPC, because it is not a requirement for enrolment. We do however require students to disclose to us issues relating to character and suitability before they commence a period of recognised training, and again on admission as a solicitor.

We appreciate that students who have character and suitability issues may want an early assessment before they embark on the LPC, and we have retained the power to undertake these early assessments.